BANGKOK – Thailand’s Crown Prince could be proclaimed the country’s next king on Friday, the Thai Prime Minister said on Monday.

Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn would thus be crowned eight days after the death of his father, the immensely popular King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who passed away on Oct. 13 after a long illness.

“No one should be worried or concerned,” Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha told “Khaosod” news website after a cabinet meeting.

The head of the military junta governing Thailand had previously said that the new king’s proclamation could take place between seven and 15 days after his predecessor’s death, although the official coronation ceremony could be delayed until after King Bhumibol’s remains are cremated.

The complex funeral rites could take up to a year to be completed, making the 64-year-old heir’s formal ascension to the throne a longer process than usual in the Southeast Asian country.

Prince Vajiralongkorn recently asked not to be immediately declared king, citing his wish to grieve along with the rest of Thai people, officials said.

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